Washington, DC (September 3, 3036)—It has been a good year for recorded music, according to the RIAA, with U.S. revenues reaching $6 billion in H1 2026, a 6.9% jump that outpaced inflation and with growth across every major category.
Streaming led the pack with a revenue of $4.9 billion for the first six months of 2026, accounting for 82% of the total, powered by a 6.4% jump in paid subscriptions to $3.4 billion versus H1 2025. Free streaming ticked up 3.7% to $900 million.
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Revenues for physical media were up 25.9%, thanks to 17.7% growth in vinyl sales, which brought in a total of $544 million, and a significant 58.6% increase in CD purchases to $171 million. In contrast, revenue from single and album downloads dropped 12.7%.
Sync licensing was up 18.2% to $232 million in H1 2026, an indication of music’s continued value across film, TV, advertising and digital media.
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Matt Bass, RIAA VP of research, commented, “The power of music, amplified from earbuds to basement listening parties to World Cup playlists across the U.S., is reflected not only in its cultural significance but also in the $6 billion revenue documented in RIAA’s Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report. These results point to a healthy, diversified marketplace supporting continued investment in artists and new ways for audiences to experience music.”
“As US music revenues continue to grow across formats, labels are strengthening connections between artists, fans and the platforms delivering creative work,” RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier said. “That partnership is driving engagement in new and expanding ways to create opportunities that will lift up the entire music community for years to come.”
The full report can be read here.
